The main shopping streets in Nanjing include the shopping area near Xinjiekou (the city central area), Hunan Lu in the northern part of the city near Xuanwu Gate and Taiping Nanlu and Fuzimiao area in the south.

What to Buy

Rain Flower Stones (Yuhua shi)
These are said to come from the area of Yuhuatai (Flower Rain Terrace, a historical memorial place for Chinese martyrs in the city), Liuhe and Jiangpu in Nanjing. These hard polished stones when placed in water reveal colorful patterns. They are usually a kind of precious agate. Folk artists make them into ring covers, ear or necklace pendants or other fine jewelry. Put them into a fishbowl or a vase to make the patterns emerge. It is a popular gift for friends.

Yuhua Tea (Yuhua cha)
This is said to be one of the ten renowned tea categories in China. The green and erect tea leaves are considered a metaphor for the spirit of patriotic soldiers, giving the tea the name of this patriotic memorial place. The tender leaves are processed with great care and have a delicate appearance and fresh taste. The tea has the healthy effect of protecting against food poisoning, refreshing the body, quenching thirst and cleaning the system. It is often presented as a gift to friends.

Cloud Brocade
Named for artistic cloud pattern weaves, Cloud Brocade is a traditional silk product originally from Chinas Southern Dynasties (420 - 589). In the Qing period (1644 - 1911), cloud brocade production reached its height when a brocade and embroidery production institute called "Jiangning Zhizao" was established in the city. Fantastic brocade clothes were produced for emperors and royal families. Today, cloud brocade products include costumes, ethnic clothes, cushions, quilt covers, carpets, wall hangings and other craftworks. Wall hangings with traditional Chinese patterns would be both a good choice for room decoration.

Jinling Gold Leaf
Gold is a symbol of supreme respect of power. Chinese artifacts and antique artwork such as architectural ornaments, religious statues and utensil are often gilded with a thin layer of gold leaf. The gold leaf produced in Nanjing is less than 1/10 micron thick and has a long history dating back to 420 A.D. This traditional hand-made technique has been passed down from generation to generation. In the Yuan Dynasty, gilding technique was widely used for clothes, ornaments, architectural decorations and even as a medical ingredient. The gold-thread clothes excavated from a 400 years old tomb of a Qing officer prove that the city was an important production centre of gold leaf. Gilded paintings, bookmarks, statues and other gold leaf products are available in stores.

Wooden Carvings
The fine wood carving artworks presenting animals, floral plants, Chinese legendary and mythical figures and stories are eye-catching in shop windows. The rosewood works often depict dignified religious figures such as arhats and Buddha whereas the bright boxwoods usually depict lively animals and legendary figures.